The Washington critic., 1887-08-05
HISTORIC HdRPER'S FERRY.
A Quaint Old Town with Picturesque
Scenery and Surroundings.

A Quaint Old Town with Picturesque
Scenery and Surroundings.
MYRTLE HALL, JEFFERSON HEIGHTS, w.
Va, Aug. 4.-"John Browns body lies
mouldering In the ground" while the mem.
ory Of the sainted abolitionist is kept green
by the moss covered ruins which during the
early days of the rebellion marked the
scenes OF bic work, turmoils, escapes, and
finally unfortunate end. Beyond the inferior
brick structure which served as his fort,
Harper's Ferry contains few Of the land.
marks Of his time. Everyone who has
Travelled over this mountainous section OF
the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad has had
pointed out to him or her this ancient-look-
ing, one'story building, with Its cupola and
semIcircular doors, bearing over them the
bold inscription, "John Browns Fort"
ELContiguous to the reservation 1t occupies
is that which furnishes 4 resting place to
the immense stone coping, with It's iron rail
fence, that inclosed In war times the Gov
ernment machine shops, the foundation and
uncovered walls Of which still stand.
The town OF Harper's Ferry consists OF q
score OF old-fashloned houses, a venerable
ritle-borc cannon and many colored people.
Like Swiss village at the foot OF the Alps,
Harper's Ferry ranges along narrow high.
way which leads up steep mountain road
to the heights Of the Blue Ridge, 900 feet
above the sea level. Here an enchanting
view, and plenty Of fresh air Is to be had.
To the northwest lies South Mountain; to
the north Maryland Heights, and In endless
view to the southeast the heights Of Lou
doun. At the foot OF the latter flows the
clear Rappahannock, made famous during
the war by the crossing and recrossing OF
contending armies.
AT the foot of the former descends the
Potomac, Kissing and foaming over great
rocks and forming successive rapids.
Upon the heights and to the rear OF the
town is point Of land formed by the meet
ing Of the two streams. This area or pla-
tesuN formerly belonged to the dovern-
ment, but through the efforts Of President
Bracket Of the Colored College, which Is
located near by, II was donated to the
eehool. AT Its extreme summit Is located
Myrtle Hall HOTEL surrounded by magnil-
cent grounds, and conducted In frst-class
style.
10 the right is the college Of Professor
Lightner and his estimable lady, who have
devoted years, with the assistance Of an able
corps, to the advancement Of the colored
people, mainly In preparing and cquIpping
them as teachers for the public schools OF
come here from various colleges throughout
the country, and make this college
retreat from which to start out In the
various professions and followings.
South, and 10 plain view Of Myrtle Hall,
are the memorable Heights OF Bolivar.
Eight miles beyond is the town of Charles
ton, where John Brown was held captive,
and the old building with Its high walls in
which he was confined, is still we'll pre-
served. Near here is the spot where he was
hung. Within three hours ride by team
are the battle-ilelds Of Antietam and Sharps
burg.
John Browi's Cave and the Rafting
Springs are other attractions. i found
many good people and tourists rambling
through this mountainous district, among
them number of the Capitals distin-
guished anglers, who find rare sport In the
bass waters Of the Potomac at this point.
Among those at Myrtle Hall are Mrs. Major
Smith, daughter and sons OF Baltimore Mr..
and Mrs. McGowan and children, Mr.. and
Mrs. Daniels and son, General Il. d. Mus
sey, wife and sons; Mr.. and Mrs. Kycs and
son, Mr.. and Mrs. Fowler and niece, Mrs
Richard Sylvester aud daughter, Mrs. Whit
comb, son and daughter OF Washington;
DR.. Rurnet Of Paris and others.
RAMBLER.